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US, Malaysia pledge support for denuclearisation of N. Korea

KUALA LUMPUR: The United States and Malaysia have pledged support for the denuclearisation of North Korea and the global implementation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said he and US President Donald J. Trump had expressed concern over North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile tests, which were a flagrant violation of the multiple UNSC resolutions and would only further escalate tensions in the region, he said in a joint statement posted on his blog najibrazak.com on Wednesday.

“Both sides reaffirmed their support for the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and the need for the international community to strictly implement UNSC resolutions.

"President Trump welcomed Prime Minister Najib's commitment to go beyond the UNSC resolutions, including through a review of its diplomatic relations and business links with North Korea," said the statement.

Najib is currently in Washington DC for a three-day working visit at the invitation of Trump. The meeting marks the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties between Malaysia and the United States.

The two leaders pledged to continue building upon the relationship through enhanced diplomatic, economic, security, and people-to-people ties.

This included creating jobs and opportunities for people in both countries, reflecting a longstanding and substantial trade relationship, they said.

The two countries recognised the importance of regular discussions under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement to strengthen the trade relationship by removing barriers in key sectors.

The two leaders welcomed the signing of an MoU between Malaysia Airlines Bhd and The Boeing Company for eight new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, purchase rights for eight additional 737 MAX airplanes, and maintenance for the national carrier's fleet, with a potential total value of US$4bil (RM16.8bil).

Both leaders also welcomed the involvement of the US private sector in the development of the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail project and committed to review regulatory frameworks with the aim of facilitating investment in their respective economies.

The two leaders reaffirmed that all maritime claims must be based on and resolved in accordance with international law as reflected in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment and implementation of the strategic partnership between the United States and Asean which was decided upon in the 2016 Sunnylands Declaration.

Both countries also agreed to develop a rules-based Asean Community, and pledged to strengthen cooperation to counter the growing threat of the Islamic State (IS) in South-East Asia.

The two leaders noted Malaysia's pledge of US$1mil (RM4.2mil) for humanitarian assistance in areas liberated from IS.

Najib also announced Malaysia's commitment to implementing its data sharing agreements with the United States to enhance passenger screening at all points of entry in phases.

The United States and Malaysia acknowledged that cyber and other crimes often help finance terrorist networks.

Trump also welcomed Malaysia's intent to make an additional US$60mil (RM252mil) in defence procurements from the United States.

Both leaders also called for an end to the violence in Myanmar and the need for a strong international community response for those who have been victimised and displaced by violence.